Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is the third classification of diabetes and is diagnosed after drinking a syrup (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) around 24-28 weeks gestation. This glucose load from the drink tests a woman’s clearance of ingested carbohydrate and it simulates a meal.

Complications of GDM include:

• a large baby (excess of 10 lbs.)
• childhood obesity
• diabetes for the infant
• future diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes for the mother

The following guidelines are to be used along with a customized meal plan in order to keep blood glucose levels within a normal range (70-140mg/dl). The meal plan is very important to follow for normal fetal growth and development.

1. Eat 5-6 smaller meals per day. Include a fiber-rich food at each meal or snack (whole grains, fresh or frozen vegetables or fruit, beans, nuts and cereals).
2. Learn how to count grams of carbohydrate at all meals and snacks.
3. Drink NO juice (even 100% juice), juice-drinks, sport’s beverages or any sugar/fruit-sweetened beverages. Only sugar-free beverages are permitted.
4. Limit fresh or frozen fruit to 2 servings per day.
5. Eat ALL meals and snacks with a protein or fat food group (e.g. olives, cheese, yogurt, milk or meat).
6. Avoid ALL concentrated sources of sugar (cakes, cookies, pies, candy and ice-cream).
7. Limit caffeinated beverages to 1-2 8-ounce cups per day. Avoid flavored coffee, unless sugar-free.
8. Avoid alcoholic beverages

Learn more about Pre-Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes, or Type 2 Diabetes.